MIDI Keyboards (And software samplers)

Scott013 · Joined: Aug 16, 2005 Posts: 32 Location: Canada

I have some people I jam with (I usually play guitar), but we want some more electronic sounds. Originally I was going to build a sampler to play these sounds, but i have looked into other things.

I have read about keyboards with MIDI outputs, which can be used to play MIDI sounds, or used to trigger samples, either thrugh hardware or software. From what I have read it seems like this form of music playing is used mostly for composition and producing. I want to know if a MIDI keyboard and a software sampler could be used to play samples live.

I have read about programs like Kontakt 2, but I haven't been able to find whether this program is just used for music production or if it can be used live.

If you have any other suggestions, please tell me! I don't have money for a full-blown synth though.

Mohoyoho · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 11:53 am Post subject:

Kontakt can be played live. It's a great program. However, you must already have samples on file which can be loaded. It can do some wacky stuff to samples.
Now I believe Ableton Live will allow you to load samples in real time, but I could be wrong. You would need a keyboard controller, and a computer with a sound card.

Scott013 · Joined: Aug 16, 2005 Posts: 32 Location: Canada

I plan on making my own samples and putting them on file, so that should be fine, I will look into Ableton Live though.

What do you mean by a keyboard controller? Is this a keyboard specifically designed to be plugged into a computer? I was under the impression that a keyboard with MIDI output could be used to hook up to a computer.

elektro80 · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 12:08 pm Post subject:

Any midi keyboard ..( almost any ) can be connected to a computer but you will need a midi interface. Most of these connect to the computer using USB. Alternatively you can get prettty decent audio interfaces ( like the M-Audio PCI cards.. the Audiophile series..) These have midi too.
There are also midi keybords/controllers/whatever that connects directly to the computer with USB.

Scott013 · Joined: Aug 16, 2005 Posts: 32 Location: Canada

I sort of understand. So, if I have a keyboard that has MIDI output, I need to also buy this "Midi interface" in order to connect to my computer?

And if I buy an actual keyboard controller, it should be able to connect to my computer without buying the special midi interface?

elektro80 · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 12:42 pm Post subject:

http://m-audio.com/products/en_us/Audiophile2496-main.html
This one has a simple midi interface and also quite AD/DA converters.

This is basically the same.. and excellent for laptops:
http://m-audio.com/products/en_us/AudiophileUSB-main.html

Here are some controllers with USB interfaces:
http://m-audio.com/forums.html?do=products.subfamily&ID=usbmidicontrollers

This is a very basic USB midi interface:
http://m-audio.com/products/en_us/MIDISPORT1x1-main.html

There are other companies making stuff like this too.

If you have a fairly recent synth/keyboard.. like a Roland, Korg, Yamaha or whatever then these will probably do just fine if you get a midi interface. You should however consider how you are going to get a decent audio signal in and out of the computer.

However, not all keyboard controllers are the same. Actual specs might vary. Midi aftertouch is nice but many are lacking this. It is supposed to be an upmarket feature.

Mohoyoho · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 12:56 pm Post subject:

You can buy a keyboard with USB that will allow you to play a sampler like Kontakt in your computer. The USB connection will transmit MIDI info to and from your computer and keyboard. In your computer Kontakt will then will make the audio signal and send it out your sound card.

All you have to do to attach the keyboard is first load the keyboard's driver into the computer. Then after that you can attach the keyboard and go.

If you already have non USB midi keyboard you can buy a product like the M-Audio Midisport 2x2, load the driver and then plug the keyboard into the 2x2. They are not very expensive. $45-60.

Some keyboards come with the USB connection AND audio ins and outs. They cost a bit more. But if you already have decent sound card then just a plain USB midi keyboard controller will do the trick.

If you are going to have samples already on your computer hard drive, then I would highly recommend Kontakt. It can really do some insane things with samples. It also comes with a huge library of samples as well. Abelton Live has a huge fan base as well, but I have never used it.

Scott013 · Joined: Aug 16, 2005 Posts: 32 Location: Canada

Hmm, very interesting.

I don't have any sort of keyboard yet, so I will look into my options. I think I may go for a keyboard controller that comes with USB connectivity, rather than purchasing a plain keyboard with MIDI output and buying the special interface.